Taite Heller

Pre-PA Health and Exercise Science Major at Wake Forest University

Taite Heller is a student at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she is pursuing a degree in Health and Exercise Science with minors in Biology and Psychology. She has achieved a 3.97 GPA and is expected to graduate in 2027. As a student on the Pre-Physician Assistant track, she is preparing for a future in healthcare and plans to attend PA school after earning her undergraduate degree. Her college experience reflects a commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service, and personal growth.

Academic Achievement and Athletic Involvement

Alongside her studies, Taite is a Division I student-athlete on the Wake Forest University Dance Team. Balancing coursework with the demands of collegiate athletics has required dedication, organization, and strong time management skills. Through this experience, she has developed leadership qualities and a disciplined approach to achieving goals. Her efforts were recognized during the 2025-2026 season when she received the team’s MVP Award for dedication and performance.

As a member of the dance team for three years, Heller trains and performs for more than 15 hours each week while maintaining a full academic schedule. Her role includes performing at athletic events and engaging with fans to help create an energetic and welcoming game-day atmosphere. She also participates in junior spirit programs that provide guidance and encouragement to aspiring young dancers. In addition, she represents the university, athletic department, and dance team at alumni and donor events throughout the year.

Taite also competes annually at the Universal Dance Association National Championship in Division IA. The event is recognized as one of the premier collegiate dance competitions in the United States. During the 2025-2026 season, her team earned the DIA Gameday Live national championship, marking the first national title in program history.

Leadership and Student Advocacy

Leadership has become a significant part of her university experience. Taite serves as a representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, an organization that connects student-athletes with the athletic department and promotes communication across athletic programs. The committee provides opportunities for athletes to share feedback, support campus initiatives, and contribute to leadership development efforts.

Through this role, Heller helps represent the interests of student-athletes while encouraging engagement within the university community. In 2025, she was selected to serve as the student-athlete voice at the Faculty Advisory Committee meeting for Wake Forest Athletics. This appointment was especially meaningful because it marked the first time a member of the Spirit Program had been chosen for the responsibility.

Taite was also selected to represent Wake Forest Athletics at a Leadership & Character Development Program event. During the event, she spoke about topics such as team culture, personal values, positivity, identity, and mindset. The experience provided an opportunity to share lessons learned through athletics and leadership while contributing to discussions focused on personal and team development.

Research and Clinical Experience

Her interest in healthcare has inspired her to pursue experiences beyond the classroom. As a Research Assistant for IGROOVE-POWER, Taite worked in a geriatric movement laboratory where she assisted graduate students with collecting and organizing muscle power measurements at the knee and ankle joints. These assessments were completed using standardized testing procedures designed to support ongoing research.

Through this role, she gained experience in geriatric research, functional movement assessment, and studies related to cognitive aging. The opportunity allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of research methods and how movement-based interventions can contribute to health and wellness.

During the Spring 2026 semester, Heller also served as a clinical research intern for The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study at Wake Forest University. This large multi-site clinical trial examines whether diet, exercise, and weight-loss maintenance can help prevent knee osteoarthritis in women at risk of developing the condition. Her participation in the project provided valuable exposure to clinical research and strengthened her interest in evidence-based healthcare.

Educational Service and Community Engagement

In 2024, Taite served as a virtual tutor through Wake Forest University. She worked weekly with a sixth-grade student in Forsyth County, providing one-on-one academic support through personalized lesson plans and interactive activities. Through regular communication and encouragement, she helped create a supportive learning environment focused on academic growth and confidence-building.

Community involvement remains an important part of her college experience. Heller volunteers at Junior Spirit Clinics, where she works with young girls from the local community and performs alongside them at football games. These programs provide opportunities to encourage confidence, teamwork, and personal development through dance.

Taite also participates in Victory Day, an annual community event hosted by Wake Forest Football in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem. The event gives individuals with Down syndrome the opportunity to participate in football drills and enjoy a complete game-day experience in a welcoming environment.

During the Spring 2026 semester, she created “Dancing With the Deacs,” a dance class developed in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem. Through this program, she teaches dance to children and adults with Down syndrome while encouraging movement, creativity, and self-expression. The classes emphasize the connection between physical activity and personal confidence.

In addition, Heller volunteers as a dance instructor at GiGi’s Playhouse. Her work includes teaching and supporting both children and adults through programs designed to promote learning, development, and community involvement.

Future Goals

Taite Heller has been selected to serve as a Teaching Assistant in Human Gross Anatomy. In this position, she will assist faculty members with the preparation and dissection of human cadavers, help lead weekly open laboratory sessions, and provide guidance to fellow students. She is also working toward obtaining her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification while pursuing opportunities to gain direct patient care experience.

Through a combination of academic achievement, athletic participation, research involvement, leadership experience, and community service, she continues to build a strong foundation for a future dedicated to healthcare and compassionate patient care.